QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Not sure
- Trail Mileage: 0.75 miles one way
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: Astonishing views!
The views at the top of the cleared 2,848-foot Quill Hill are incredible. So is the humanity! This is a mountain with a well-maintained private road to the summit, which has been fitted out with a large viewing area, stonework, and picnic tables. This destination was the passion project of the generously spirited Adrian Brochu, who started working on Quill Hill in 2010, continuing up to his death in 2019.
We decided to visit the popular spot to check out the 0.75-mile wheelchair accessible path, which runs from a small lower parking area to the big open summit (where there is a much larger parking lot). Quill Hill calls its views “Maine’s best and most accessible.” I think this is accurate!
While the summit was crowded with people who drove their cars or four-wheelers up on the day we visited, we were the only ones on the trail. The well-made path is wide, gravel-packed, and has a gradual incline. It is a workout for sure, but also very doable. You’ll reach a view to the north at a little nook with a picnic table right below the summit—a great place to stop if you want to hang out in a quiet area.
The summit’s 360-degree views are outstanding. Breathtaking. The people watching is good, too! I bet you might have the place to yourself for sunsets and sunrises, perhaps more likely on weekdays. The photos on the pamphlet show amazing views in the fall.
Directions: From the intersection of Route 4 and Route 16 in Rangeley, drive approximately 7 miles north on Route 16/Stratton Road. Look for the big sign for Quill Hill on your right; the access road is also marked on Google maps. The four-mile access road is smooth and comfortable to drive, and the Quill Hill organization asks visitors to make a donation to help with road maintenance. You can put some money in a lockbox on the way out. For the trailhead, look for a small parking lot on your left about 0.3 miles or so before you reach the summit parking area. It’s big enough for four or so cars. This is the start of the wheelchair-accessible path, which curves up the west side of the mountain. Nearby you can also walk out on a short leg to a picnic table with great views. There is even a stone oven and stone table top here for gourmet picnics!
